Accessible Resources for Independence

11/14/2025

We’re proud to share that our friend and Marketing Specialist, Susan Larsen, was recently recognized with the Accessibility Award from the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities.

Susan brings a deep commitment to digital accessibility and clear, inclusive communication to her work with ARI. Her dedication helps strengthen access, expand opportunity, and support our community in meaningful ways, and we’re grateful for the energy and expertise she brings to our team.

Our Co-Executive Directors, Joan Rumenap and Betsy Hein, were happy to attend the ceremony and cheer Susan on as she received her Executive Citation. It was a wonderful afternoon honoring advocates and leaders who are working every day to advance inclusion throughout the region.

Please join us in congratulating Susan on this well-deserved recognition. We’re thankful for all she contributes and the difference she continues to make.

IMAGES: A series of photos and a video from the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities Awards Luncheon featuring Susan Larsen receiving the Accessibility Award and celebrating with colleagues and fellow advocates. The images include Susan holding her Executive Citation and posing with Assistive Technology Trainer Chris Nusbaum, Heather Comstock of Amazing Nonprofits, Bridget Roth of The Arc Baltimore, Karen Johnson of NCIA, Disability Advocate Janice Jackson, Diane Palmer of Independence Now, Inc., Betsy Hein and Joan Rumenap of ARI, Douglas Smith of the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities, her fellow award recipients, and Maryland Secretary of Disabilities Carol A. Beatty. The photos show award presentations, group moments, and the celebratory atmosphere of the luncheon.

11/13/2025

🎁Get ready to kick off your holiday shopping!

Join the Cedar Lane School PTA Holiday Bazaar & Indoor Yard Sale on Saturday, November 15, from 10 AM–2 PM in Fulton, MD!

With 55+ supporting vendors, this is the perfect place to find unique gifts, enjoy family-friendly activities, and support the Cedar Lane community.

🎨 Book Fair
🎶 Live Music
🎉 Face Painting
🎟️ Raffles & Door Prizes
✂️ Arts & Crafts
… and so much more!

📍 Cedar Lane School
11630 Scaggsville Rd
Fulton, MD 20759

Click here for raffle info, and bring your friends and family for a fun, festive day! - https://buff.ly/042hFDc

IMAGE: Flyer for the Cedar Lane School PTA Holiday Bazaar on November 15, featuring over 55 vendors, family activities, raffles, live music, and event details with a QR code for the raffle.

11/13/2025

Don’t miss I AM Session 2: Building Community Power Through Advocacy!

Monday, November 17, 2025
2:00–3:30 pm via Zoom
Click here to register for I AM: https://buff.ly/TgVaIwg

Change doesn’t happen alone — it happens when we raise our voices together! Join this empowering session to learn how people with disabilities, CILs, and advocacy groups can organize, share stories effectively with legislators, and make real change on Maryland disability policy issues.

IMAGE: A digital flyer with a maroon background reads: “I AM. Building Community Power Through Advocacy. Monday, November 17, 2:00–3:30 pm.” On the right, a woman with short brown hair wearing a red sweater smiles while gesturing with her hand, seated in a wheelchair. A faded Maryland flag pattern appears in the background.

11/12/2025

Representation Matters: PBS Kids Adds New Character with Communication Device

PBS KIDS is introducing a new character who uses an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device which is a big step forward for representation of children with disabilities in media.

The character will appear in an upcoming PBS Kids show, helping young viewers learn that communication looks different for everyone. The show’s creators worked with speech-language experts and individuals who use AAC to make sure the character’s experiences are authentic and empowering.

This representation on television helps kids and families feel seen and helps others understand that inclusion is for everyone.

Representation in media, assistive technology like communication devices, and community advocacy all work together to make a more accessible world, and ARI is proud to be part of that movement!

Meet Paulo in this video clip: https://buff.ly/A0WV5vO

Meet Carl the Collector's new friend, Paulo! Paulo doesn't communicate verbally, so he uses Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC for short. Usi...

11/12/2025

Accessible Resources for Independence is proud to share this upcoming virtual discussion from NAMI Howard County.

Many people still face barriers to diagnosis and support because of myths and misinformation about ADHD. This session will help break down those misconceptions and offer practical strategies for living well with ADHD at any age.

Tuesday, November 18, 2025
7:00–8:30 PM
Virtual via Zoom
Featuring Dr. Chad J. Lennon, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Sheppard Pratt’s Baltimore/Washington Campus

Register here: https://buff.ly/HMxruSN

Let’s keep the conversation going about neurodiversity, mental health, and access to the right supports for every stage of life.

11/12/2025

Important information for families facing housing challenges — if you or someone you know is at risk of eviction or needs help securing stable housing, this program could help. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply using the link below.

The Community School Rental Assistance Program provides families and students enrolled in community schools with emergency financial assistance if they are at risk of eviction, losing housing, or are already homeless and need help securing a new rental unit. Learn more below:

11/11/2025

Today is Veterans Day, a day when we all pause to honor the men and women who have served our nation with courage and commitment. Accessible Resources for Independence joins our community in expressing deep gratitude to every Veteran for their service and sacrifice, and in recognizing those who live with disabilities stemming from that service.

There are several organizations in our region dedicated to providing resources and support to Veterans and their family members. If you or someone you know is a Veteran, or if you’d like to learn more about how you can support our local Veteran community, visit:

🇺🇸 Paralyzed Veterans of America: pva.org
🇺🇸 The Howard County Veterans Foundation, Inc.: howardcountyveterans.org
🇺🇸 Howard County County Office of Veterans and Military Families:https://buff.ly/3mmFE2z
🇺🇸 Anne ArundelArundel County Veterans Affairs Commission: https://buff.ly/atqhcMm.

On this Veterans Day, ARI stands in gratitude with all who have served and remains committed to building a community where every person, including Veterans with disabilities, can live with dignity, purpose, and independence.

IMAGE: Illustration of an American flag waving across the top with the blue silhouette of a saluting service member below. Text reads “Honoring All Who Served – Veterans Day.” The Accessible Resources for Independence logo appears in the lower left corner.

11/10/2025

Free Food, Fire, and Friends

Join the Community Ecology Institute for a free, potluck-style meal with activities for all ages and on-site resources from community partners. These weekly gatherings are designed to ease food insecurity, build connections, and provide a relaxing space for parents and kids alike. All are welcome.

Date and Time: Every Thursday, 6–7:30 p.m.
Location: Freetown Farm, 8000 Harriet Tubman Ln, Columbia, MD 21044

Learn more: https://buff.ly/myatPtJ

IMAGE: Flyer titled “Free Food, Fire, & Friends” with photo of people gathered around a campfire. Text says the event offers free, family-style potluck meals every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Freetown Farm in Columbia, MD, with activities for all ages and community resources.

11/10/2025

What a wonderful opportunity for Maryland artists with disabilities to share their creativity and perspective with state leaders! 🎨

Learn more about how to participate in Art in Full Spectrum at the Maryland General Assembly below!

State Senator Sara Love and Delegate Michele Guyton are pleased to invite Maryland artists with disabilities to apply for a special art exhibition, Art in Full Spectrum, at the Maryland General Assembly during the 2026 legislative session (January–April 2026). There is no fee to enter. Click the link to learn more! https://bit.ly/3JOvDws

11/10/2025

Let’s Explore Assistive Technology

Meet the BoundaryCare Smart Watch — a powerful tool that helps caregivers stay connected and provides peace of mind.

What it does: BoundaryCare alerts caregivers in real time about potential issues such as falls, seizure-like activity, wandering, or changes in health and behavior. It also allows users to request help when needed.

Why it’s great: It works seamlessly with an Apple Watch—no extra devices required—and connects to caregiver apps on iPhone or iPad.

Who it helps: Individuals who may need extra monitoring, including those with epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, dementia, or IDD.

Cost: BoundaryCare may be covered by Maryland Medicaid for eligible individuals. Others can subscribe for $25/month using their own Apple Watch or purchase a $995 preconfigured kit with a 6-month subscription.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/xzImc1E

A simple, powerful & attractive senior safety smartwatch. Seniors often hate alert pendants, but they typically like the Apple Watch.

11/10/2025

Important information for our Veterans and military families — one of these free legal clinics is happening today! Be sure to check the details and share with anyone who could benefit. 🇺🇸